Pasadena Water and Power Issues Notice of Public Hearing for Water Rate Adjustments

The Pasadena City Council has scheduled a public hearing via videoconference/teleconference on March 14 to consider the adoption of proposed water rate increases and adjustments to existing rate structures, and a change in capital improvement charges, for Pasadena Water & Power customers.

The public can submit public comments and make live comments during the videoconference/teleconference.

Pending City Council approval, the water rates would increase by an average of 7.1% on April 1, 2022. A second adjustment of 7.2% would take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

While individual customer bill impacts will vary based on water meter size and amount of water used, projected cost estimates show most residential customers will likely see a $3 increase in their monthly bill as of April 1, and an additional $4 monthly increase on Jan. 1. Based on similar modeling, PWP estimates that commercial customers are likely to see a $19 and $20 increase, respectively.

PWP is recommending the water rate adjustments to help pay for rising costs for purchasing and treating water, and to provide funding for critical improvements to reservoirs, treatment facilities and other water infrastructure.

Earlier this week, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) mailed a public hearing notice to all water customers. The notice includes recommended rate adjustment information as well as details regarding the public hearing.

“The proposed water rate adjustments are the result of a number of factors, including our aging infrastructure which is in need of critical and proactive updates. We’re also experiencing severe statewide drought conditions, and that’s impacting both water supply and operational costs,” says Jeffrey Kightlinger, interim general manager.

 “PWP is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility, and invests revenue generated in the provision of services and infrastructure improvements to serve our customers. This adjustment is necessary to cover increasing costs so that we can continue to deliver water to the high standards that our customers expect and deserve.”

PWP provides electricity to more than 65,000 customers within Pasadena. PWP delivers water to nearly 38,000 households and businesses in Pasadena and adjacent communities in the San Gabriel Valley.

Pasadena City Council recently approved a new Water System and Resources Plan that outlines the City’s long-term plans and priorities for securing its water supply and investing in infrastructure, some of which is currently over 100 years old.

California’s ongoing severe drought conditions may affect water supply and conservation efforts in the years to come.

For more information on water rate adjustments and the upcoming public hearing, please visit the PWP website.